BISMARCK, ND – For the second straight week both Danny Kittner and Luke Little exceeded 100 yards receiving for the University of Mary and the Marauders scored the opening and closing touchdowns of the game. The 25^th ranked Augustana University, though, controlled the middle as the visiting Vikings ran to a 43-20 victory over UMary.
 
Playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in 22 months, Kittner caught 10 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. Kittner also had another 45 yards in kick and punt returns to total 180 all purpose yards. Little posted 108 yards and a touchdown on seven catches.
 
Overall the Marauders threw for 324 yards in the game. Logan Nelson, who both ran and threw for a score, hit 17 of 35 passes for 205 yards. Jesse Forknell added 119 yards and a touchdown while finishing 10-of-14 in his UMary debut.
 
UMary opened the scoring on its second drive of the game. Isaiah Pittman ended Augustana's first possession with an interception in the end zone to set up the drive at the UMary 20 following the touchback. The Marauders proceeded to drive 80 yards on eight plays, the last 11 covered on a scramble by Nelson as he broke around the right edge and outraced the Vikings defenders to the corner of the end zone.
 
Augustana responded with three straight scoring drives, none longer than 50 yards.
 
A pair of defensive stands by the Marauders, including a run stop on a 4^th down and goal play at the 1 yard line, kept UMary within 21-7 late in the second quarter. An Augie safety and a touchdown in the last four minutes before intermission gave the Vikings an insurmountable lead.
 
The Marauders found their way back to the end zone late in the 3^rd quarter, driving 65 yards on three completions to Little and two to Kittner, with Little hauling in a 6 yard pass from Nelson for the touchdown.
 
Kittner closed out the scoring for the game when he collaborated with Forknell on a 25 yard touchdown pass with 5:57 in the game, capping a 75 yard drive that took just six plays.
 
Tylen Small led the Marauders in tackles for the second straight week with nine stops against the Vikings.
 
Pittman had a big day for the Marauders. In addition to his interception, he also had six tackles, including one for loss, and had a pass breakup.
 
Jarod Epperson led the Vikings with 127 yards on the ground and two of the Vikings four rushing touchdowns. Sean Engel caught six passes for 119 yards. Kyle Saddler threw for 188 yards and a score.
 
The Marauders held a 26-19 edge in first downs and a 324-194 edge in passing yardage. Augie outgained UMary 238-42 on the ground as the Vikings held a 432-366 edge in total yards.
 
The interception by Pittman was the only turnover in the game. Through two games the Marauders have yet to commit a turnover.
 
A crowd of 3,872 was on hand for the Marauders 2021 home opener as UMary honored First Responders to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of 9/11. The Marauders also recognized the University of Mary Gary Tharaldson School of Business faculty during the game.
 
The Marauders next visit Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday, Sept. 18. Game time is 6 pm in Marshall, MN.
 
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